Shadow Of Love

Episode 22

Me: Franca please I want to apologise for whatever it is that is happening between us. I don’t know whose fault it is but I really want to apologise. We shouldn’t be like this. We’ve known each other since childhood. Nothing has ever come between us but look, just one year in school and we’re already enemies. Please tell me what it is that I did wrong and I’ll apologise and make amends please.

She looked at me without emotions for a while before she stood up and walked out. My sight became blurry as I fought the tears that threatened to fall from my eyes. I heard her door open and slam shut.

Franca: You dare to ask me what you did when all you’ve ever done is make my life miserable?

I stared at her in shock as the tears now came down uncontrollably.

Me: What….

Franca: Just keep quiet and listen.

She walked fully into the sitting room and stood directly in front of me.

Franca: Chikaima, I’m no fool.

She just called my native name, Chikaima which means “only God we know”.

Franca: You think I don’t know you’re with Tobe, doing all the things you’re doing just to spite me? You think I don’t know you’re flaunting him in front of me just to get me jealous? Come on, I’m not a child anymore. I love Tobe and I will do anything to get him to myself even if it means stepping on your toes.
Her last words got me to my feet and I stared at her open mouthed.

Franca: You heard right and like I said before, enjoy it now while it lasts.

She looked at me with so much hatred before walking out of the sitting room. Surprisingly, my tears dried up and I too went into my room and picked up my phone. Lois was right after all. I’ve got to involve my family in this as a heavy war is just about to start.

[]I dialled my mum’s number and she picked at the third ring.

Me: Good evening mummy.

Mum: Good evening Kaima (shortened name for Chikaima). How’re you?

Me: I’m alright mummy. How’s dad and Aunty Happiness?

Mum: Happiness is fine. Your dad isn’t back from Qatar but he’s fine. You both don’t talk?

Me: He called me last week shaa but he said he’ll be home this week.

Mum: I’m expecting him tomorrow or next my child. How’s school?

Me: School is as it should be. I thank God.

Mum: And how’s Amara?

Your guess is right? She just asked after Franca whose native name is Amarachukwu (God’s grace)

Me: She’s fine. And she’s the reason why I’m calling.

Mum: Is anything the matter? She better not be pregnant because her mother and I will come to that school and give her the worst embarrassment of her life. This is how it starts o. In fact, give her the phone.

I couldn’t help but laugh. Mothers eh. We had told them we parked out of our former lodge and my mum is aware that my boyfriend paid for the new apartment. She had spoken with Tobe after which she advised me never to go under the sheets with him till I was sure he had me in his future plans.

Me: Mum she’s not pregnant. In fact, I don’t know but that’s not the reason I’m calling.

Mum: Then what is it?

I briefly explained to her what had being happening, my new friends and the car. She heaved after I finished my long story then she hung up.

In two seconds, she started calling back. That was my mother. If she wanted to talk to you, she’ll call you with her airtime so you won’t argue that yours will drain.

I picked and placed the phone to my ear.

Me: Yes mummy.

Mum: All you told me, are you sure that Amara Obi said all that to you?

I rolled my eyes and replied in the affirmative.

Mum: See how a boy is about breaking a relationship of 21 years. Amara didn’t see how else to talk to you and she’s using threats eh? I’m going to call her mother after now or I’ll see her first thing tomorrow. You both need to be called to order. And I hope that boy is not set out to ruin your lives.

Me: Ahn ahn mummy. Tobe is not like that.